Who Are We?
We have been teaching the Olympic sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics that combines the elegance, grace and beauty of the dancer with the dynamic power, strength and coordination of the athlete since 1984.
Rhythmic gymnastics thrive on creativity and originality. Concentration skills enhance learning abilities in school.
Your child will improve their coordination, flexibility, muscle tone and learn to be fit for life!
We offer:
* Preschool classes for boys and girls ages 4 to 6.
* Recreational gymnastics girls ages 6 and up.
* Junior Olympic competitive program girls 6 and up.
* Tumbling
* Ballet
* Athlete conditioning and flexibility
* Summer camps
It is really an enjoyable experience to be able to dance with a ball, rope, ribbon, clubs or hoop to music. Because creativity is a strong component of the sport, the gymnasts are given opportunities to design their own routines, express their personalities and feelings through body movement and music. In many cases, their self-esteem is enhanced.
About our coach – Marina Shel Kolt
Marina was born in Odessa, Ukraine where she trained at the Sport School #1 and got her Candidate of Masters in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Then she went to Polytechnic Institute in Riga, Latvia were she received Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering with minor in Physical Education.
Marina worked in Menlo Park Dance Academy as a coach and city of Fremont before she opened American Academy of Rhythmic gymnastics. She took Elite Coaching course in Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center and was offered a job there, but had to decline due to birth of her son.
As a certified judge, Marina is participating in judging courses every year. She was the official judging coordinator for all sanctioned competitions in the state of California.
Two of her gymnasts won national competition in St. Louis, MO.
American Academy gymnasts participated in numerous State, Regional and International competitions.
For the past ten years Marina was involved extensively with Latin dancing, not only studding rhythm and techniques, but helping dancers to stay in shape and rehabilitate quickly after the injuries.
We strive to bring fitness to kids of all ages, levels and abilities through fun and games.
Coach Kelli Beasley
Kelli Beasley started rhythmic gymnastics at age 5 and trained with Marina Shel Kolt for over 6 years. She competed in individual events up to level 8 and participated at numerous group performances with American Academy. Kelli was also a varsity cheerleader in high school. She loves working with kids and teaching them her favorite Olympic sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics that she has been involved in for over 25 years.